{"id":21005,"date":"2023-11-30T16:19:04","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T16:19:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/?p=21005"},"modified":"2023-11-30T16:19:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T16:19:09","slug":"what-is-braai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/what-is-braai\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Braai? How to Barbecue Like a South African?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Braai is a distinct South African method of barbecuing meat<\/strong>. It’s a South African equivalent of barbecue characterized by its unique rules and etiquette. One of these rules involves using local wood, which imparts a distinctive flavor to the Braai BBQ. Comparing a braai to an ordinary barbecue<\/a> is considered a faux pas in the rainbow nation. It’s a big no-no!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The South African Braai has held a special place among my favorite outdoor cooking experiences since I participated in a traditional Braai Day firsthand in 2017. For passionate grillers, the experience of a Braai event ignites a true sense of enthusiasm. If you\u2019re open to trying new culinary experiences, this is bound to captivate you. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Braai, its associated dishes, and the essentials you need to grill using this method.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What is Braai?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The term ‘braai’ is derived from the Dutch word for ‘Braden’ from the Afrikaans language and means ‘roast.’ It carries other meanings. On the one hand, South Africans might call the grilling apparatus itself Braii<\/strong>. On the other hand, it signifies a BBQ<\/strong> meal prepared over an open fire. <\/strong>Beyond this, Braai represents a genuine way of life of South Africans \u2013 a social event that spans various occasions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s a business function, a birthday celebration, or a leisurely Sunday afternoon gathering with friends and family, South Africans always find reasons to braai. This South African cuisine is particularly vibrant during the extended summer months, from October to February. It’s a bit like Australian or American BBQ practices. But South Africans hold theirs a bit more in high esteem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to braai’s significant role in South African culture, nearly every household possesses a braai grill, bowl, or pit. It\u2019s typically located on the porch or in the garden. Many South Africans even have braai rooms<\/a> in the form of open indoor fireplaces or fire bowls. It\u2019s important to note that these should not be confused with the fire plate grills prevalent in other regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Above the grill, you\u2019ll find either a braai grate or a fire pit grill \u2013 essentially a grill grate elevated on support legs. However, braaiing isn\u2019t confined to homes and gardens; it takes place on sidewalks, beaches, stadiums, and virtually everywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tradition thrives in both black and white South African cultures. It transcends mere BBQ. It embodies a cultural movement in the land of iSewula Afrika<\/em> and it’s made its way to Australia and Europe and already extending its influence to the Americas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Do You Need for a South African Braai?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re using a traditional South African fire pit or a ready-made grill, the crucial factor is using only wood embers to heat the grilled food or meat. Using or adding charcoal or briquettes is not acceptable<\/strong>. But some South Africans grill with charcoal sometimes. Gas grills are not used in real braai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamb chops or beef<\/strong> steaks<\/strong> are popular Braai meats. But you can experiment with typical South African meats like buffalo or ostrich. Chicken kebabs are pretty popular too. So is beer can chicken for those who want something from a whole chicken.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, you need a fire bowl<\/strong> or pit, and, of course, a grill grate for holding the food. A fire bowl<\/strong> can serve the purpose well. It\u2019s ideal for a convivial braai, as the charming iron or steel grill vessel imparts a beautiful ambiance on the terrace or lawn. Atop it, you place a fire pit grate<\/a>. It’s essentially a grill grate raised on supporting legs. <\/p>\n\n\n

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As important as grilling equipment might be for a South African braai, the success of your traditional braai hinges on spices and sauces. You should stock up on these typical spices for your South African braai barbecue event:<\/p>\n\n\n\n